Total spending on medicines is forecast to reach $1.5 trillion by 2021, up 33% from 2016 levels, even as annual growth moderates from the record pace set in 2014 and 2015, according to new research released by the QuintilesIMS Institute. While historically large numbers of high-quality new medicines will emerge from the R&D pipeline in the next five years, pricing and market access pressures, lower volume growth in pharmerging markets and greater savings from patent expiries will contribute to the lower rate of growth.

It is the responsibility of the investigator to delegate to appropriately experienced staff. The scope of practice is defined by education, training and licensure. The investigator must recognize the capabilities and limits of staff to whom he/she has delegated study tasks, and assign accordingly.